Practical information

Coming to Finland

Passport, Visa and Invitation Letter

Participants are advised to make their own arrangements with respect to entering Finland. All delegates are requested to investigate what necessary documents and/or applications are required when travelling to Finland.

Visa Requirements and Travel Documents Accepted by Finland

Finland is a Schengen-member state. All Schengen member states have jointly agreed on the rules concerning the movement of third-country nationals in their territories and have decided which countries' citizens are required to present a visa. Furthermore, each Schengen state has decided which travel documents citizens of different third countries have to present upon entering the country. Further questions concerning visas or travel documents accepted by Finland can be addressed to the Finnish diplomatic consular missions or the Passport and Visa Unit of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs.

Customs

When bringing goods into Finland there are limits set on certain commodities. If a certain amount is exceeded, duty must be paid, and the importer is required to inform customs of the amount of the commodity he or she is bringing in to the country.

The host city: Helsinki, Finland

In comparison to most major metropolises, the beat of Helsinki is laid-back and relaxed. Most of the city's attractions and hot-spots are within walking distance from each other. The public transport system is comfortable and reliable and has been ranked among the best in Europe. A third of Helsinki is covered in green areas, including a Central Park and numerous forests just outside the city centre; these offer great opportunities for outdoor activities and recreation. The number of parks and seaside hangouts are ideal for a bit of downshifting in the heart of the city. On the other hand, scores of urban events, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs make Helsinki a vibrant capital with cultural offerings.

Travelling within Helsinki

Transportation from airport to downtown Helsinki

Attendees arriving at Helsinki-Vantaa international airport can travel to Helsinki city centre/Central Railway Station by either train or taxi; The train station entrance is founding between terminals 1 and 2 (T1 and T2) and taxi stands can be found outside both terminals (T1 and T2). The airport train operates daily between 5 a.m. and midnight. A one-way ticket costs EUR 5.00. The trip takes approximately 40 minutes. Please visit the Finavia website for more information.
A one-way taxi trip costs about EUR 50.00 and will take approximately 30 minutes.

Transportation within Helsinki

For public transport within Helsinki City it is possible to buy a Helsinki travel card that can be used for bus, tram, train and Suomenlinna ferry. 1-hour or 1-day tickets can be purchased on buses and trams. A 1-hour ticket costs approximately 3 euros and a 1 day ticket approximately EUR 8. The conference venue is at the University of Helsinki metro station. For more information, please visit the Helsinki Regional Transportation website. Taxi service anywhere in Helsinki can be requested by phone: +358 0100 0700 and numerous designated taxi stops are found throughout the city. Uber and Lyft are illegal in finland; one is highly advised to only use only official authorized taxi services.

Miscellaneous

Electricity

Electricity in Finland is 220 volts AC and Finland has plug type F (same as continental europe) as the standard plug.

Time zone

Finland is located in the Eastern European time zone.
April to September: Greenwich GMT+3 and October to March: Greenwich GMT +2.

Weather

Currency and credit cards

The official currency in Finland is the euro. Exchange of foreign currency is available at the airport, the main railway station and many other locations around Helsinki. Please note that, in Finland, most banks do not exchange currency or travellers´ cheques. You will find, however, that Finland is very financially advanced and has almost become a cashless economy: there are very few occasions where a purchase can not be made with a credit card. All major credit cards are accepted for payments in most hotels, restaurants and shops.